Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday pledged federal government’s swift response to Friday night’s suicide bombing in Borno State, which left no fewer than 24 people dead.
Shettima slammed the suicide bombing by a female at a local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area of the state as a “heinous act of terrorism against innocent civilians.”
Several other people were injured in the attack which locals strongly believe was the handiwork of Boko Haram or ISWAS insurgents.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Borno State while reaffirming federal government’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The federal government will not relent in our efforts to ensure that those responsible for this despicable act face the full weight of the law,” Shettima said in a statement through the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.
He directed relevant government agencies to expedite investigation into the incident and ensure prompt support to those affected.
“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this senseless act of violence. The government stands with them in this difficult time and will provide all necessary support,” the Vice President said.
The attack, which occurred in an area that has suffered years of insurgent violence, comes amid renewed efforts by government to stabilise the region and support victims of terrorism.
Shettima, the immediate past governor of the state, underscored the government’s resolve to sustain the gains recorded in recent years in the fight against terrorism.
“The administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains committed to restoring lasting peace and security to the Northeast and all parts of Nigeria.
“We will not allow our enemies to undermine the progress we have made in degrading their capabilities,” he added.
Spokesman for the Police Command in the state, Assistant Superintendent Nahun Daso, said the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated at a food joint, where the attacker targeted residents who had gathered in a large number to buy food.
Daso said the body of the suicide bomber was severely dismembered by the blast, with only the head recovered from the scene.
“Following the incident, a joint response team comprising the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, Military, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters was deployed to the scene,” he added.
The police spokesperson said that the area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched for other possible explosive devices, but none was found.
“The injured victims were evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) where they are currently receiving treatment, while the remains of the deceased were also deposited at the hospital mortuary.
“The victims were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,” he said.
Daso said efforts were ongoing to profile the victims and contact their relatives for proper identification and burial in line with their religious practices.
Only last week, armed herdsmen attacked Yelewata in Benue State, killing almost 200 people and sparking outrage across the country and beyond.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday reported that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has delivered critical combat enablers and deployed additional 300 troops to boost manpower under the Operation “Whirl Stroke” in the North Central geo-political zone.
Citing a credible source, NAN said that the deployment was in a significant effort to reinforce security and operational capacity in the region.
The deployment includes mobility and protective assets to enhance troop mobility, rapid response and overall effectiveness in addressing emerging threats.
It said the COAS, during his recent visit to Benue, presented a consignment of equipment at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Makurdi.
